BUCYRUS - An alleged roach infestation within a home on Dudley Street was the major topic of discussion during Tuesday's meeting of the Bucyrus City Council.

City resident Nancy Zorns told the city's governing body that her mother - Debbie Mapstone of 440 Dudley St. - has complained to the city many times about the unkempt home next door.

"They have a roach infestation that is now coming to my parents' house," Zorns said. "Now they're going to have to pay for extermination."

Bucyrus Councilman Bruce Truka spoke in support of Zorns' concern, saying he knows the issue has been brought to council at least twice before.

"They're really hurting," Truka said. "At this point in time, hopefully something can be done to remedy this situation."

Bucyrus Law Director Rob Ratliff said the home at 450 Dudley St. is on his list of problem properties within the city and that he's already attempted to deliver certified letters to the owner regarding the severity of the neglect. Ratliff said the roof has collapsed in some places and wild animals are living in it.

"The legislation that we were going to pass this evening has been pulled," Love said.

Love said no vote could be taken on the drafted ordinance because no official bid was ever placed before the public. The figures discussed during recent meetings, Love said, were actually just estimates the city had received from a few contractors.

Council voted to officially put the project out for a bid.

Also Tuesday:

Bucyrus City Clerk Todd Hill announced that a public hearing will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 15 in council chambers regarding the potential rezoning of four parcels of land at 116 West Perry Street. Hill said the owner of the land would like them to become incorporated into the city's downtown business district.

Council voted to formally allocate $2,500 of city money to make repairs to playground equipment at Aumiller Park.

Council voted to move Thursday's joint regular committee meetings to 6 p.m. Monday so that members of council could attend the first night of the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival.

Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser asked that all business and home owners throughout the city take a moment Wednesday to pull weeds, sweep sidewalks and tidy their properties before guests arrive for the Brat Fest.